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JACKSON – Three more cases of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) have been confirmed in Northampton County, according to Andy Smith, the county’s Health Director.

The new confirmations bring the number to four county residents testing positive for the virus.

“All four are in isolation and doing remarkably well,” Smith told the R-C News-Herald this afternoon (Thursday).

The first Northampton case was confirmed on Monday of this week.

“All four of these cases are linked together,” Smith added.

The Health Director stated that results are pending from other recent tests.

“We are going out into the community and testing those who meet the criteria,” Smith said. “We urge those who are showing symptoms of the virus to call us first. We will come to you if your symptoms warrant testing.”

Patients must meet at least one of the following criteria to be considered for testing:

Fever or signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) in any person, including healthcare workers, who has had close contact with a laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patient within 14 days of symptom onset.

Fever and signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) and negative influenza test (rapid or PCR) and no other more likely diagnosis.

Smith noted that individuals with mild symptoms consistent with COVID-19 do not need testing and should stay at home to recover. Mild symptoms are defined as fever and cough without any of the following: shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, altered thinking, and cyanosis.